Dr. Walter W. Ristow, 1909-2006

Renowned and beloved curator and historian dies at 97

The map community, from academics from affectionados to collectors, have noted the passing of Dr. Walter W. Ristow at age 97.

More than merely a notable figure in the American cartographic community, he occupied a number of important postitions, according to the obituary on file at the Washington Post (registration required) he worked for US Army Intelligence during World War II and chief of the map division of the New York Public Library, then spent 32 years in the Geography and Map Division of the Library of Congress, the last 11 of those as Division Chief. He carried with him the title of Director Emeritus upon his retirement.

Not only interested in the history and preservation of maps, Dr. Ristow had a reputation as an avid collector of American road maps, picking them up from gas stations on his numerous travels across America. It is said he kept every one, and according to this article also published by the Post, had recently completed a manuscript on the history of American road maps.

He was also one of the founders and the first president of the Washington Map Society, who has given an annual prize in his name to honor academic achievement in cartographic history or map librarianship.